The Uzumaki Elder stood silently for a moment. After Naruto's words, the overwhelming killing intent surrounding him vanished completely.
Obsession, vengeance, loneliness-the final knot in his heart at the end of his revenge had been untied by Naruto.
He said nothing more, nor did he turn back for another look at Naruto or Sasuke.
He simply slung the chain-wrapped Ancient Longsword onto his back, turned, and headed into the distance.
All he left behind was a cold, quiet remark.
"Don't follow me. I'm going to have a look at the Uzumaki Ruins."
As his words faded, his figure vanished in an instant. His speed was absurd, and he left not even a trace of his presence behind.
Watching the elder disappear into the distance, Naruto finally relaxed. He let out a long breath, feeling much lighter.
That brief confrontation had seemed peaceful, but in truth, it had been fraught with danger.
Though Naruto was not afraid of him, he still preferred not to make an enemy of someone whose abilities were unknown.
Fortunately, blood ties had prevailed over hatred.
Sasuke gazed in the direction where the elder had vanished, his eyes darkening slightly. He spoke slowly, his tone carrying both relief and reflection.
"I never expected this interception to bring such an unexpected gain."
"We stopped a village-destroying catastrophe and placated a top-tier powerhouse. That's an enormous boon for us and the entire Shinobi World."
Beside him, Lucci nodded, his expression grave. He stared in the direction the elder had gone, filled with bewilderment and uncertainty.
"That elder felt incredibly strange to me. I've never felt anything like it."
"He's clearly a dead man, with no living vitality whatsoever, yet he can remain in this world and wield powerful, unknown abilities."
"Especially that chain-wrapped longsword on his back. Its aura